Seven Improvements That Can Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

It is a known fact; most older homes are likely to be less energy efficient than new homes. If you own an older home, there are upgrades that can be made that can save money and improve the home’s energy efficiency. Those upgrades often add value to the home. While many other simple, cosmetic home upgrades such as window fixtures and décor are easier fixes, they won’t necessarily add significantly to the property value. For this reason, some larger upgrades should be considered.

Update Heating and Air Conditioning systems

If a home is more than 15 years old, it’s likely time to invest in new heating and central air conditioning systems if they have not already been replaced. According to today’s standards, these systems become inefficient after 15 years, or less in some cases. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive options that will make a home energy efficient.

Regardless, make sure to seal around the windows and doors, improve ductwork, and add some insulation. Adding caulk or weather stripping to a home’s windows helps to eliminate drafts, which will result in savings on heating and cooling. However, if the home has older single-pane windows they may need to be replaced with newer energy-efficient windows. Energy-efficient windows can regulate the temperature inside a home since they’ll prevent air from escaping, especially for windows that have wood encasements.

Today’s new homes are far more energy efficient in general as our knowledge about energy has increased exponentially over the decades. This knowledge translates into smart designs, features, and material selections.

Replace Kitchen Appliances

Another area to improve on to achieve an energy-efficient home is appliances in the kitchen. In fact, a Realtor may even advise to focus remodeling efforts on this area of the home. When investing in appliances, make sure to look for an Energy Star rated refrigerator and a convection oven because these appliances use less energy. Replacing appliances with ones that are Energy Star rated, typically found in competing new homes, will add to the home’s efficiency and add to its resale value.

Add Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are not just decorative, they create a cool breeze and circulate the air in the home. They only cost a few cents per day to run, which is much less than running the air conditioning and they can drop the temperature in a room quickly and efficiently. Consider also you may have some electrical work to retrofit or add fans, while most new home builders will include fans and pre-wiring for the ceiling fans.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A great way to create an energy-efficient home is by installing a programmable thermostat. It’ll help achieve an ideal temperature without costing a lot of money since it can easily optimize the temperature whether you are home or not. Again, something that is generally standard in new homes.

Add More Insulation

The U.S. Department of Energy says that an energy-efficient home requires a certain amount of insulation that isn’t found within an older home. In fact, by adding an additional layer of insulation, a homeowner may be able to save enough money to pay for this upgrade in as little as 5 years.

Get an Energy Audit

While these improvements will help create an energy-efficient home, there are many other upgrades available to pursue that an energy auditor can help identify. They can inspect a home and make recommendations on how to make additional improvements to create energy efficiency.

Consider buying new

While you may love your older home, the costs, time planning, and physical energy can be daunting and not always as cost-effective as you may think. Savings may be immediate, but consider the time until you realize your return on investment and weigh this against a new home. Investing in a new home will not only mean an energy-efficient home but one that is built specifically for your needs. Located near Bradenton, Florida in North Manatee County, North River Ranch offers a thoughtfully planned community with homes built by award-winning new home builders. The community includes unique neighborhoods that offer something for everyone in the family from fun to fitness. At North River Ranch, you can build an energy-efficient home that meets your needs and wants in a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle.

About North River Ranch

North River Ranch is the flagship master-planned community for Neal Land & Neighborhoods, strategically positioned and carefully planned to evolve to meet the needs of tomorrow’s families and active adults. It’s a fresh approach to development in southwest Florida unlike anything in the market today.

About Neal Land & Neighborhoods

Neal Land & Neighborhoods is a Manatee and Sarasota, Florida-based community and master land planning and development organization led by John A. Neal. The company incorporates smart master-planning and public infrastructure solutions to create the next level of elite community planning in Southwest Florida. By working with carefully selected new home builders, Neal Land & Neighborhoods aims to establish thriving, sustainable, livable, and ecologically sensitive communities throughout Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties. Neal Land & Neighborhoods currently owns or controls several thousand acres of land entitled for more than 9,000 future residential homes and the supporting mixed-use commercial and retail. For additional information, visit www.nealland.com.